Why Sarawak

Dynamic Economic Growth and Prospects

Centrally located in the centre of Asia Pacific, Sarawak is garnering investors’ attention as a prime and sustainable investment destination. Targeting double-digit economic growth, from 2023 to 2030, Sarawak’smassive 124,450 km² land mass presents fertile ground for industrialists with clean energy practices and businesses with ventures in the new digital economy. 

Today, Sarawak’s major industrial parks are well-integrated with regional transport networks of air, sea, and land routes. With 70% of its electricity generated from renewable sources and having a target of over 10 GW total installed capacity by 2030, Sarawak enables the development of green projects with competitive energy tariffs.

High growth potential

RM282 billion (est.)

Sarawak’s targeted GDP by 2030, double of 2023 GDP

RM14.8 billion Development Budget (est.) ~ 10.4% of GDP

Sarawak development budget allocation: RM9 billion from Sarawak State Budget 2024 and RM5.8 billion from Malaysia's National Budget 2024

Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund

Investing for the future with RM8 billion seed capital in 2024 and subsequent injection of RM400 to RM600 million annually

Integrated economic hub

Transport Connectivity

Sarawak has excellent air, sea and land transport connectivity to Asia. Launching Sarawak-owned boutique airline in 2025 to serve the region

Well-connected Industrial Parks

Sarawak has 4 thriving industrial parks which are well-connected to seaports

Sarawak's Economic Leadership and Ambition for Development

Being the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak contributes to an estimated 9.1% of Malaysia’s GDP aspires to be a developed State with a projected GDP of RM282 billion by 2030.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

GDP by Sectors, 2023 and 2030

International Trade

Exports and Imports

Total Exports by Major Commodities, 2023

Sarawak

A Sustainable Clean Energy Powerhouse

Sarawak is progressing ahead in implementing the region’s green economy agenda in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Environmental sustainability is at the heart of Sarawak’s development initiatives and an anti-climate change law was enacted in 2023 to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, promote carbon capture and storage and mitigate climate change effects.

Strong Commitment and Implementation of Renewable Energy and Green Initiatives

Significant Investments in RE projects

Sarawak has 3,452 MW of hydropower already installed and an additional 1,285 MW by 2028. Further, there is huge potential to harness RE from installing floating solar panels at existing hydropower sites, and cascading dams along rivers and tidal power plants.

Carbon Sequestration Projects

Sarawak is developing the world’s largest offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project at the Petronas Kasawari Field to reduce 3.3 million tonnes of CO2 annually. The first CCUS bid round was launched on 24 July 2024.

Green Mobility – Hydrogen Powered Autonomous Rapid Transit System (ART)

The development of Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) will use ART powered by hydrogen fuel cells and digital solutions, to reduce Kuching City's carbon footprint by 15% by 2030.

Microalgae Cultivation and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production

Sarawak is progressing towards 10,000 acres of microalgae cultivation to produce crude algae oil (CAO), which will be further refined to produce SAF. Sarawak plans to build a bio-refinery in Bintulu after starting microalgae cultivation on a 10,000-acre site. With the  global focus on sustainable fuel, and Sarawak's tropical climate is ideal for microalgae oil production. Studies show that 1,000 acres of microalgae can yield 10,000 barrels of crude algae oil daily, with potential use in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The goal is to expand to 10,000 acres and produce 100,000 barrels daily by 2030, with the refinery processing the CAO.

Green Hydrogen Production Plant

Sarawak is partnering with Japanese and South Korean multinational corporations (MNCs) to establish mega hydrogen production plants with a total capacity of 240,000 Mt per year in Bintulu.

Hydrogen Refueling Station

Easy access to a state-wide network of flagship multi-fuel stations (MFS) that offer hydrogen as a versatile and sustainable feedstock for a multitude of industries.

Did You Know?

Sarawak aims to produce hydrogen commercially for domestic use and exports through SEDC's (Sarawak Economic Development Corporation) collaboration with partners from South Korea and Japan.

Sarawak's seabed offers a substantial carbon storage potential of 30 trillion cubic meters.

The Batang Ai dam will be developed to be the largest floating solar farm in Malaysia and the first major hybrid generation facility combining hydro and solar.

Transformation to a Dynamic Digital Economy

Digital connectivity and infrastructure are key priorities of Sarawak to enable the adoption of digital technologies across sectors, including precision farming, Industry 4.0 and telemedicine. The Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 was developed to accelerate the digitalisation of economic sectors. By 2030, Sarawak targets to achieve the following:

94% high speed connectivity by 2025 and 96% by 2030

500 new hi-tech start-ups and spin-ins

100% online government service

5 data centres by 2030

4,581 telco towers, 587 5G sites by 2024

20% Digital Economy contribution to Sarawak's GDP by 2030

Sarawak’s commitment to developing digital infrastructure, nurturing talent and advancing the digital economy will yield significant benefits to society, businesses and government.

Global Connectivity

With proximity to 60% of the world’s population within 8 hour’s flight, major economic powerhouses in Asia and strategically located at the crossroads of key shipping lanes between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, investors in Sarawak benefit from a broad market outreach, excellent connectivity and competitive logistics cost.

Well-connected Airports, Seaports and Highways

Mumbai

Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur

Singapore

Jakarta

Kalimantan

Hong Kong

Manila

Shanghai

Seoul

Tokyo

Sydney

Did You Know?

  1. Sarawak’s boutique airline is expected to start operating in 2025. The airline is designed to serve niche travel needs, focusing on improving connectivity within Sarawak and neighbouring regions. The airline aims to enhance tourism and business links by offering direct, premium services to underserved areas. It will operate smaller, specialized routes, complementing larger commercial carriers, and aims to support Sarawak’s economic and tourism development. The airline will likely focus on a tailored passenger experience, emphasizing convenience and regional access.

     

  2. The Sarawak government is consolidating all port authorities to enhance efficiency and deliver greater benefits to port users.

  3. Sarawak: Key Export Destinations

ASEAN

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Well-Equipped Industrial Parks to Fast-Track Your Investment in Sarawak

Sarawak’s industrial estates present a compelling opportunity for investors, offering some of the best infrastructure in ASEAN. With four strategically located major industrial parks, businesses in Sarawak benefit from well-maintained highways, an efficient telecommunications network, and high regional connectivity through Sarawak’s two international airports and six seaports.

A Great Place to Live

Affordable Cost of Living

Malaysia ranks among the lowest in the Cost of Living Index compared to other ASEAN countries.

Healthy Air Quality

Breathe fresh air, as Sarawak has a healthy Air Quality Index (AQI) of below 50 across its major cities.

Sports and Leisure Activities

In Sarawak, sports and leisure activities are seamlessly integrated into daily life. The region’s well-equipped facilities, such as golf courses, stadiums, tracks, and gymnasiums, ensure that staying active is both convenient and enjoyable.

Wide Selection of Local and International Cuisines

Sarawak is a culinary haven, offering a diverse array of food options that cater to every palate. With the late celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain describing Sarawak Laksa as the “breakfast of the Gods,” we have much to offer, from authentic local dishes to international cuisines like Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, and Western. The region boasts a vibrant food scene that reflects its rich cultural diversity.

Accessible and Affordable Healthcare

Easily accessible and affordable healthcare is available across all major cities in Sarawak, provided by Malaysia's leading healthcare groups, including KPJ Healthcare, IHH Healthcare, Columbia Asia, and Borneo Medical Centre Group.

Internationally Competitive Education Ecosystem

As part of Sarawak's nation-building efforts, the government is committed to prioritizing the development of the education sector.

There are eight international schools across major cities in Sarawak, with five more planned by 2030, offering diverse curricula including A-Levels, Cambridge, IGCSE, and the International Primary Curriculum.

Sarawak became the first state in Malaysia in 2014 to recognize the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). The state also applies the Dual Language Programme (DLP), which uses English and Bahasa Malaysia to teach Mathematics and Science in all national schools.

Integrated Township Living

Integrated township living, a popular lifestyle in Sarawak, offers the convenience of having essential amenities such as eateries, supermarkets, healthcare facilities, universities, and international schools within close proximity.

Diverse Travel Destinations

Whether it’s a quick beach getaway, exploring lush tropical rainforests, hiking scenic trails, or embarking on an unforgettable road trip along the Pan Borneo Highway from Kuching to Miri, there’s something for everyone. The region's diverse landscapes and easy accessibility make it the perfect playground for those who love to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.